Collapsible Tubular Isolation Enclosure for Patient Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an isolation apparatus that effectively isolates patients from chemical or biological threats while allowing for medical treatment and transport, and can be easily collapsed for storage when not in use, due to the risks posed by chemical or biological weapons and the resurgence of infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible isolation apparatus with a tubular enclosure, transparent panels for viewing, glove arms for medical access, pass-through ports for item exchange without opening the enclosure, and a blower/filter system for air management, all constructed from materials resistant to chemical warfare agents and biological pathogens, with a zipper closure and flexible material components for ease of use and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the isolation apparatus is made rigid and structurally robust, then it provides reliable isolation and protection, but it becomes difficult to collapse and store when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation apparatus is divided into multiple rigid panels that can be segmented and reconfigured. The panels are connected through hinges and fastening mechanisms, allowing the structure to be divided into collapsible sections that can be easily stored when not in use, while maintaining structural integrity during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with movable panels, hinges, and adjustable fastening mechanisms. This allows the enclosure to be easily assembled and collapsed, providing both reliability when deployed and ease of storage when not in use
2Reliability
If the enclosure is made fully sealed for effective isolation, then protection against chemical and biological threats is improved, but access for medical treatment and patient interaction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Access ports are extracted from the sealed enclosure, allowing medical personnel to insert hands, arms, or medical equipment through designated openings without compromising the overall seal. This enables patient treatment while maintaining isolation integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Glove ports and sealed access mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the isolated patient compartment and the external environment. These allow medical personnel to interact with patients and introduce treatments while maintaining the protective barrier against chemical and biological threats
3Loss of information
If transparent panels are added for monitoring patients, then visibility and patient monitoring are improved, but the structural integrity and chemical resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent panels are constructed from composite materials that combine chemical resistance with optical clarity. This allows the panels to provide both patient visibility and protection against chemical and biological threats, eliminating the trade-off between transparency and chemical resistance
4Ease of operation
If the apparatus is designed to be collapsible for easy storage, then portability and storage efficiency are improved, but the assembly complexity and potential leaks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible design segments the enclosure into modular panels that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation reduces assembly complexity by using standardized connections while maintaining storage efficiency through compact folding configurations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides effective isolation and treatment access while being compact and portable, ensuring the safety of medical and transport personnel by maintaining a negative pressure environment and allowing for easy storage when not in use, thus addressing the risks of chemical and biological threats and infectious diseases.
Implementation Method 1
a blower attachment configured to receive a blower to create a negative pressure within the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
An isolation apparatus for the transport of a patient who is potentially infectious, who has been subjected to chemical or biological agents, such as SARS-CoV-2, or who is threatened by chemical/biological attack. The invention comprises a transparent or semi-transparent, generally tubular enclosure, having two opposite ends. Secured to each of the two opposite ends of this transparent or semi-transparent, tubular enclosure are a pair of end walls. Pass-through ports are provided to allow for introducing items, such as medicine, water, or medical tools, into the patient chamber without opening the apparatus.